About the role
We are seeking an Applications and Permissions Lead to support the delivery of the Skye Reinforcement Project, a major infrastructure programme involving 132kV overhead line and underground cable works.
This role is responsible for managing the end-to-end process for statutory applications, licences, and permissions, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met in line with programme timelines. You will work closely with regulators, project teams, and stakeholders to secure approvals and maintain compliance with environmental and planning legislation.
What you'll be doing
- Lead the preparation and submission of applications, licences, and supporting documentation to SEPA, NatureScot, and Highland Council
- Coordinate technical inputs including environmental assessments, reports, and management plans
- Ensure all submissions are accurate, complete, and compliant with relevant legislation, guidance, and requirements
- Track application progress and manage responses to regulator queries and requests for information
- Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies and maintain strong working relationships
- Lead meetings, consultations, and discussions to support timely approvals
- Provide clear advice and updates to internal stakeholders on regulatory requirements and progress
- Work closely with engineering, environmental, planning, legal, and operations teams, as well as external consultants
- Develop and maintain submission programmes and trackers aligned with project timelines
- Identify risks to permissions and implement mitigation strategies
- Manage dependencies between consents and ensure alignment across the project
- Ensure all activities comply with environmental, planning, and licensing regulations
- Maintain accurate, auditable records of submissions, approvals, and correspondence
- Support audits and ensure documentation is readily accessible
- Monitor changes in legislation and regulatory guidance, advising the project accordingly
- Lead and coordinate resources involved in the applications and permissions process
- Develop and improve processes, templates, and best practices
- Support capability development and continuous improvement across the team
Who we're looking for
- Experience managing regulatory applications and permissions, ideally within Scotland
- Strong understanding of environmental and planning regulations
- Experience working with SEPA, NatureScot, and/or local authorities
- Ability to coordinate complex submissions involving multiple stakeholders
- Strong written communication skills, particularly for formal documentation
- Excellent organisational and project management skills
- Background in environmental science, planning, engineering, or similar
- Experience with EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) or HRA (Habitats Regulations Appraisal)
- Experience within infrastructure, energy, or major projects
- Familiarity with GIS, ACC, or document management systems
- Understanding of commercial aspects such as budgets and invoicing
- Degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Geography, Engineering, or similar (or equivalent experience)
- Professional membership (e.g., RTPI, IEMA, CIWEM) desirable
Why work for us
Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.
Why join us?
As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:
- Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
- Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more…
About us
Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to provide technical engineering solutions across the full spectrum of the electricity grid, including overhead lines, cabling, substations and distribution networks.
From scoping and feasibility, to design, construction and on-going maintenance, our in-house experts, flexible resources and industry-leading innovations support customers in the development of some of the UK’s most ambitious power transmission and distribution projects.
Diversity and inclusion
At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion
To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, enei, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/
We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at: [email protected]
Job Reference: BBUK19409
